Eating cereals can cut cancer risk

Researchers from Imperial College London have discovered that eating more cereals and whole grains could reduce the risk of developing colorectal cancer.

Their findings, published in the British Medical Journal, shows that for every 10g a day increase in fibre intake, there was a 10% drop in the risk of bowel cancer.

However, analysis they conducted of 25 previous studies found that fruit and vegetable fibre did not reduce risk.

Lead study author and research associate in the department of epidemiology and biostatistics at Imperial College London, Dagfinn Aune, said their analysis found a linear association between dietary fibre and colorectal cancer and added: “The more of this fibre you eat the better it is. Even moderate amounts have some effect.”

Researchers also said that the health benefits of increasing fibre and whole grains intake extended to reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, obesity, and “possibly overall mortality.”

According to Cancer Research UK, the lifetime risk of being diagnosed with colorectal cancer in the UK is estimated to be one in 14 (6.9%) for men, and one in 19 for women (5.4%).

The charity said that the review added weight to the evidence that fibre protects against bowel cancer.

Mark Flannagan, chief executive of Beating Bowel Cancer, said the research supported the charity’s current advice.

“We recommend that people eat a healthy balanced diet that includes plenty of dietary fibre, such as grains, cereals, fruit and vegetables to reduce the risk of developing bowel cancer,” he said.

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Patrick Tran

Saturday 12th November 2011 @ 4:37

Finally, there's further support for such an obvious relationship. But I'm thinking how influential is this finding in current clinical practice? Patients are always recommended to take on a high-fibre diet and its almost commonplace for doctors to advise patients that wholegrain bread will reduce your risk of colorectal cancer. Its even taught in medical school. So how does this really change what's already happening?

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